Apparatus for use in a well bore



FIG-3 April 25 1967 D. L. FARLI-:Y ETAT. `4`3,315,747

APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WELL BORE ATTORNEYS April 25, 1967 D. FARLEY ETAL 3,315,747

APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WELL BORE Filed Feb. 25, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 Heem HGM' /zob

(MH /27 l INVENTORS DAvm L. FARLEY 35 v BuRcHus o. BARRINGTON `23 5MM, 31m Mv;

BY W fw@ l ATTORNEYYS i United States Patent O 3,315,747 APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WELL BORE David L. Farley and Burchus Q. Barrington, Duncan, Okla., assignors to Halliburton Company, Duncan, Okla., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 25, 1965, Ser. No. 435,151 9 Claims. (Cl. 166-206) This invention relates to an apparatus for use in a well bore. In particular it relates to a slide-type, sleeve valve which may be incorporated in a well string and required to transmit mechanical force axially of the string.

In conducting certain operations in -wells such as oil wells, water wells or gas wells, it becomes desirable to provide valve means for selectively controlling fluid flow between the interior of a conduit string disposed within a well bore and the exterior of this conduit string, i.e. the annular space between the outside of the string and the well bore periphery. Devices employed for this purpose include axially reciproca-ble, sleeve-type valves commonly termed circulating valves.

Such valves generally include mutually telescoping, conduit-like components, which are provided with valve port means. Relative axial movement of the components of the circulating valves serves to either bring the port means of the components into fluid transmitting alignment or into ow preventing alignment.

A circulating valve as described above generally includes an innermost component having a free end which is exposed to the pressure of fluid contained within the conduit string. When the circulating valve is disposed at a considerable depth within a well bore and/or when high pump pressure is applied to fluid within the string, a hydraulic force of substantial magnitude is exerted upon this exposed component end. Indeed, in certain instances this hydraulic force may be of such a magnitude as to make it difiicult to cause t-he component having a free end exposed to conduit pressure to be moved axially so as to obtain the desired positioning of valve ports.

It has been heretofore recognized that the valve component having a free end exposed to conduit string pressure may be provided with a fluid reactive surface exposed to conduct pressure in such a fashion as to offset or balance the fluid pressure exerted upon the free end of this component. All this notwithstanding, such devices have often suffered from one or more structural or operational drawbacks and often have been structurally cumbersome and complex.

In many instances, such fiuid reactive surfaces have been disposed so as to be vulnerable to damage caused by mechanically imposed forces. The structure of many such devices has been such that 4damage caused by forces applied axially of the conduit string might tend to impede axial valving movement of the Valve components.

Recognizing the need for an improved structure which minimizes the vulnerability of fiuid reactive surfaces in well bore tools to function-impairing damage, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved well bore apparatus including fluid reactive surface means so disposed that problems of the type heretofore noted are substantially minimized or deterred.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide such an apparatus in conjunction with an -axially operable, sleeve-type circulating valve.

It is a further object of the invention to provide lsuch an improved valve structure wherein fluid reactive surface means are so disposed that mechanical force applied to the surface means is axially dissipated between the surface means and associated mounting structure.

It is also an object of the invention to provide such an improved valve apparatus wherein axially engageable surface means are disposed out of immediate contact with Patented Apr. 25, 1967 rice adjoining, relatively movable surfaces, whereby the adjoining surfaces are protected from mechanical shocks imposed against the engageable surfaces.

It is likewise an object of the invention to provide such an improved valve apparatus which is characterized by unique structural simplicity and ease of assembly.

A still further object of the invention is to provide such an improved apparatus including fluid reactive surface means which center and align axially engaging forcetransmitting components and direct some of the axial force laterally into shock absorbing wall means.

In 'order to accomplish the foregoing objectives, there is presented through this invention an apparatus for use in a. well bore, which apparatus includes first conduit means and second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to the first conduit means. Coupling means included in the apparatus are adapted to interconnect the first and second conduit means. This coupling means includes annular cavity means disposed between portions of the first and second conduit means.

One individually significant aspect of the invention relates to coupling means structure including a first coupling portion carried by the first conduit means and a second coupling portion carried by the second conduit means. Each coupling portion has a wall section of generally T- shaped configuration. In each coupling portion, an intermediate leg portion, defining a leg portion of the T-shaped cross section, projects generally radially of the conduit means with which it is associated and defines an entire wall portion of this conduit means. In each coupling, one end portion, defining one head portion of the T-'shaped cross section, extends generally axially in a direction away from the intermediate portion and has a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of its 4associated conduit means. Another end portion of the coupling, defining another head portion of the T-shaped cross section, extends generally axially in a direction opposite to the aforesaid one direction away from the intermediate portion, and has a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of its associated conduit means. At least one coupling end portion on each of the first and second coupling portions includes annular surface means disposed within the annular cavity means. In each instance, a threaded surface of a coupling end portion is disposed Ibetween an annular sur-face means and an entire wall portion of a conduit means defined by a coupling intermediate portion.

The annular surface means of the first and second coupling portions are disposed in mutually facing and axially engageable relation. Passage means are provided in the coupling means, which passage means extends transversely through a wall portion of one of the conduit means. This passage means is adapted to transmit pressurized fluid from the interior of this one conduit means y into the annular cavity means.

Another individually significant aspect of the invention resides in a coupling means for the first and second conduit means wherein the first and second conduit means each carry generally annular surface means disposed within annular cavity means extending between the first and second conduit means. The two annular surface means are axially engageable. When these two annular surface means are engaged, the annular surface means carried by the first conduit -means is radially spaced from a radially adjacent wall portion of the second conduit means. The annular surface means carried by the second conduit means is radially spaced from a radially adjacent wall portion of the first conduit means.

Still 4another significant asset of the invention resides in an arrangement wherein the annular surface means carried by the first and second conduit means include at least some portions which are generally frustoconically configured and mutually complementary.

An additional, individually significant aspect of the invention involves a structure `.for effecting both external and internal pressure compensation with respect to a movable tool component which is telesco-pingly assem'bled with another component. In this combination, a first conduit means is telescopingly connected with a second conduit means. Annular cavity means exist between the first and second conduit means. A coupling portion -is carried by one of the conduit means which is capable of undergoing axial movement. This coupling portion comprises a threaded coupling having a wall section of generally T- shaped configuration. The intermediate portion of this coupling provides the leg portion of the T-shaped cross section, projects generally radially of the conduit means in which the coupling is incorporated, and defines an entire wall portion of this conduit means. One end portion of the coupling defines one head portion of the T-shape-d cross section, extends axially in one direction away from the leg portion, has a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of the conduit means with which it is associated, and terminates, at its free end, in first, generally annular, uid reactive surface means. The other end portion of the coupling defines the other head portion of the T-shaped cross section, extends lgenerally axially of the conduit means in which the coupling is associated in a direction opposite to the a-foresaid one direction, has a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of this conduit means, and terminates at its free end in second, generally annular, fiuid reactive surface means. The first and second fluid reactive surface means are both disposed within the annular cavity means and face in generally opposite directions. A first passage means is provided in one of the conduit means, which passage means is adapted to transmit pressurized fluid from the interior of this conduit means into the cavity means and int-o communication with one of the fluid reactive surface means. A second passage means is provided in the other conduit means and is adapted to transmit pressurized fluid from the exterior of this other conduit means into the annular cavity means in fluid communication with the other fluid reactive surface means.

In describing the invention, reference will be made to a preferred embodiment shown in the `application drawings.

In these drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic, fragmentary, partially sectioned View of a :bore hole in which `a string of well tools is positioned, which string includes a circulating valve possessing preferred characteristics of this invention;

FIGURES 2 and 3 are fragmentary, schematic, partially sectioned and enlarged elevational views of axially overlapping portions of a circulating valve component incorporated in the FIGURE 1 assembly, as indicated in FIG- URE 1, which circulating valve includes preferred characteristics of the present invention and is illustrated in the open valve position;

FIGURES 2a and 3a are fragmentary, schematic, and partially sectioned, elevational views of the circulating valve components illustrated in FIGURES Zand 3, respectively, but illustrating these components in the closed valve position; and

FIGURE 4 is a still further enlarged, fragmentary, schematic, sectioned and elevational View of an inverted J-slot portion of the circulating valve, as viewe-d along the section line 4-4 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE l schematically illustrates a representative portion of a well bore 1 in which a conduit string 2 is positioned. String 2 supports a representative tool assembly including a circulating valve 3 and a conventional and schematically shown packer 4 associated with a conventional and schematically shown testing tool 5. In the usual fashion, testing tool 5 may be adapted to record the pressure of formation fluid.

The tool assembly shown in FIGURE 1 includes conventional passage means extending `generally axially therethrough and communicating with the interior of the conduit string 2. Valve means may be included, for example, in the testing tool 5, to control the fiow of fiuid between a formation beneath the packer 4 and the interior of the tool and conduit strin-g.

Schematically shown packer 4 may be provided with conventional drag springs 6, slips 7 and radially expansible, resilient packing elements 8.

In a conventional and well understood fashion, appropriate manipulations of the conduit string `2 will serve to cause the slips 7 and packing elements 8 to move radially outwardly into gripping and sealing engagement, respectively, with the periphery la of the well bore 1. As the packer 4 may assume several well iknown commercial ernbodiments and does not constitute a detailed portion of the present invention, the structure and mode of operation of this conventional well tool is not set forth in detail.

The portion of the well tool assembly with which the invention is concerned involves the circulating valve 3, structural details of which are schematically shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4.

Circulating valve 3 includes a first, conduit-like component 9 which is threadably and conventionally connected t-o the conduit string Z which extends upwardly Afrom the `valve 3 as schematically shown. Circulating valve 3 additionally includes a second, conduit-like component 10 which may be connected by conventional threaded coupling means 11 to the well tester S.

`Circulating valve components 9 and 10 are telescopingly interconnected -or related. As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, for example, upper component 9 is telescopingly inserted into the upper free end of the lower component 10 and is axially movable relative to this component.

Inner telescoping component 9 is provided with a series of radially directed and circumferentially spaced ports 14. Similarly, outer valve component 10 is provided with a series of radially extending and circumferentially spaced valve ports 15. An annular recess 16 formed in the inner periphery of the valve component 10 insures communication with the radially aligned valve ports 14 and 15 regard- =less of the rotational positioning of the Valve components 9 and 10.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the valve components 9 and 10 disposed with the component 9 in a position raised sufficiently so as to bring the ports 14 and 15 into communicating alignment. FIGURES 2a and 3a illustrate the positioning of the components of the valve 3 when the inner component 9 has been moved downwardly so `as to displace the ports 14 from the ports 15.

With the ports 14 and 15 aligned, fluid may be cir-4 culated between the interior 17 of the circulating valve and the annular space 18 between the conduit string and tool assembly and the well wall 1a. With the ports 14 and 1S axially displaced as shown in FIGURE 3a, these ports are disposed in mutually isolated relation such that the circulating valve 3 is closed and radi-al flow is prevented through wall portions of the circulating valve between the annular space 18 and the valve interior 17.

As will be appreciated, of course, axial valving movement of the valve components 9 and 10 is made possible by the/conventional, axially movable character of the conduit string 2 and the anchoring effect of the packer 4. With the packer 4 sealingly and grippingly engaged with the well bore wall 1a, the valve component 10, which is connected with the packer 4, is stabilized against axial movement. By operation of conventional hoisting equipment at the Well head, not shown, the conduit string 2 may be moved axially so as to induce corresponding axial or valving movement of the valve component 9.

Control of the axial movement of the valve component 9 relative to the valve component 1n may be provided through an inverted I-slot arrangement 19.

As schematically shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, this arrangement may comprise a radially inwardly facing slot 20 having a generally inverted J-like configuration formed on the inner periphery of the valve component 10. A lug 21 projects generally radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the component 9 into the slot 20. With the lug 21 in the upper, hook-like end 20a of the J-slot 20, the valve component 9 is held in the upper position with the ports 14 communicating with the ports 15.

In order to move the valve component 9 downwardly so as to axially displace the valve ports 14 and 15, the component 9 is rotated clockwise so as to move the lug 21 to the left, as shown in FIGURE 4, the vertically elongated slot portion 2Gb. The string 2 may then be moved downwardly so as to cause downward movement of the valve comp-onent 9 which will bring the ports 14 to the lower position shown in FIGURE 3a, axially displaced from the ports 15.

The vertically elongated slot portion 20h may be laterally widened beneath a shoulder 20c as shownin FIGURE 4. With this arrangement, and with the valve component 9 rotated counter-clockwise so as to bring the lug 21 into engagement with the wall 20d, upward movement of the component 9 is limited by engagement of the lug 21 with the shoulder 20c. Such engagement, of course, will prevent the valve components from resuming t-he position shown in FIGURE 3 where the ports 14 and 15 are aligned in -a fiuid transmitting, open valve relationship.

Valve component 9 includes, as its components, a generally tubular, upper member 22, a coupling 23, and a lower tubular member 24. As illustrated in FIGURE 3, tubular member 24 carries the ports 14.

Coupling 23, as shown in FIGURE 3, has a generally T-shaped cross section. The intermediate annular portion 23a of the coupling 23 provides the leg portion of the T-shaped cross section and defines an entire Wall portion of the component 9 between the lower end of the tubular member 22 and the upper end of the tubular member 24. As illustrated, intermediate portion 23a projects radially outwardly toward component and may be provided with seal means such as the O-rings 25 which provide slidable sealing engagement between the coupling 23 and the inner periphery of the component 10.

An upper annular end portion 23h of the coupling 23, in cross section, defines one head of the T-shaped cross section of the coupling 23. End portion 23b projects generally axially and upwardly away from the coupling intermediate portion 23a. End portion 23h has an inner threaded surface 23e` which is threadably engaged with the tubular member 22 of the valve component 9.

Coupling 23 terminates at its upper free end in a generally annular Aand upwardly facing, first fluid Vreactive surface 23d. In the preferred arrangement as shown in FIGURE 3, annular surface 23d is frustoconically configured and is obtusely inclined with respect to the adjacent outer periphery of the tubular member 22 of the component 9.

A lower, annular, end portion 23e of the coupling 23 projects generally axially and downwardly from the intermediate portion 23a and defines another head portion of the T-shaped cross section of the coupling. End portion 23e is provided with an internal threaded surface 23j which is threadably engaged with the tubular member 24 of the valve component 9'.

End portion 23]c terminates at its lower free end in a generally annular, second fiuid reactive surface 23g which faces generally downwardly, i.e., generally oppositely to the upwardly facing, first fiuid reactive surface 23d.

Valve component 10 includes, as its principal components, an uppermost, generally tubular member 26, a coupling 27, a lower, generally tubular member 28 and another coupling 29.

As shown in FIGURE 2, upper tubular member 26 may be provided with a radially inwardly directed, fiangelike portion 26a. Seal means such as a conventional O- ring 30 may be carried by the fiange portion 26a so as to provide slidable and seal-ing engagement between the tubular member 26 and the tubular member 22 of the valve component 9. As illustrated, seal ring 30 engages the Outer periphery of valve component 9 above the I-slot 19.

Lower coupling 29, as shown in FIGURE 3, carries the valving ports 15. Coupling 29 is provided with a lower, annular end portion 29a which is threadably connected with coupling means 11. An upper, annular, threaded end portion 29b of coupling 29 is threadably connected with the lower end of tubular member 28 of valve component 10.

As illustrated, coupling portion 29b is offset radially inwardly from coupling portion 29a so as to provide a generally Z-shaped cross section for the coupling 29.

Coupling portion 29b terminates at an upper free end which provides an annular surface 29e radially disposed between the valve components 9 and 10.

As shown in FIGURE 3, axial engagement of the lower and upper ends 23g and 29C of the couplings 23 and 29, respectively, serves to limit the axial downward movement of the valve component 9 and define a positive stop indicative of the closed valve position shown in FIGURE 3a where the ports 14 and 15 are axially displaced. In this closed valve position, and with the lug 21 being disposed adjacent the slot surface 20d, upward movement of the valve component 9 to an open valve position is prevented by engagement of the top of the lug 21 with the slot surface 20c.

Slidable and sealing engagement between the tubular member 24 of the valve component 9 and the coupling 29 of the valve component 10 may be provided by conventional O-rings 31 and 32 carried by the coupling 29. As illustrated, O-rings 32 and 31 are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the ports 15 so as to isolate the ports 15 from the interior of the valve 3 except for the portion of the valve component 9 which is disposed between these O-rings. This seal arrangement, of course, allows the ports 14 and 15 to function effectively 4as 4a sleeve valve in response to axial movement of the component 9 with respect to the component 10.

Coupling 27 includes an intermediate portion 27a which projects `generally radially of the axis of the valve 3, defines the leg portion of the T-shaped cross section of this coupling, and defines an entire wall portion of the component 10 between the lower end of the tubular member 26 and the upper end of the tubular member 28. As illustrated, intermediate portion 27 may carry O-rings 33 which provide slidable and sealing engagement between the inner periphery of the coupling 27 Vand the outer periphery of the tubular member 22 of the valve cornponent 9.

Coupling 27 includes an end portion 27b which extends generally axially upwardly from intermediate porti-on 27. In cross section, coupling end portion 27b defines a head portion of the Tshaped cross section of this coupling. End portion 27b includes an outer threaded surface 27e by means of which the coupling 27 is threadably connected with the tubular member 26. Coupling portion 27b terminates at its upper end in an upwardly facing, first, generally annular surface 27d.

Coupling 27 additionally includes a generally axially and downwardly extending end portion 27e, the cross section of which defines another head portion of the T- shaped cross section of the coupling 27. Coupling portion 27e has an outer threaded surface 27jc by means of which the coupling 27 is threadably connected with the tubular member 28.

The lowermost free end of coupling portion 27e terminates at and defines second, generally annular surface means 27g. Surface means 27g faces generally downward, i.e. oppositely to the upwardly facing surface 27d.

As illustrated, surface means 27g is frustoconically configured and is complementary in inclination and positioning with respect to the frustoconical surface 23d of the coupling 23. As showing in FIGURE 3, surface means 27g is obtusely inclined with respect to the adjacent and relatively lower inner periphery of the tubular member 28 of the valve component l0. Thus, in the open valve position shown in FIGURE 2, the coupling surfaces 23d and 27g are engaged in complemental or flush relationship. It should be noted that with the surfaces 23d and 27g thus engaged, the I-slot lug 2l is spaced from the lateral walls of the J-slot locking portion 20u as shown in FIGURE 4. As will be appreciated, the engagement of the surfaces 23d and 27g provides a mechanical coupling by means of which a lifting force imposed upon the valve component 9 may be transmitted to the valve component 10 and well tools connected with the component 10. Thus, with the packer in the collapsed position shown in FIGURE l, the well tools may be lifted out of the well by raising the string 2, with the circulating valve 3 serving as a mechanical, lifting force transmittin-g, coupling.

As illustrated, inner peripheral portions of the valve component 9 are spaced radially -outwardly from outer peripheral portions of the valve component 9. This spacing provides a generally annular cavity 34 extending `between the coupling 29 and the coupling 2'7 with the head portions of the coupling 23 projecting radially into this annular cavity. Thus, as illustrated in FIGURE 3, the iluid reactive surfaces 23d and 23g of the coupling 23 and the annular surface 27g of the coupling 27 and the annular surface 29C of the coupling 29 are disposed within the cavity 34 between the valve components 9 and 10.

As is illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, when the surfaces 27g and 23d are axially engaged, the coupling head portion 27e and the surface 27g are spaced radially outwardly from a radially adjacent and inset wall portion 22a of the valve component 9 while the head portion 23b of the coupling 23 is radially inset so that the surface 23d is spaced radially inwardly from a radially adjacent wall portion 23a of the valve component lo.

Similarly, the coupling head portion 23jc is radially inset so that the surface 23g is spaced radially inwardly fromthe radially adjacent wall portion 28a of the valve component 10 and the coupling head portion 29b is radially inset so that the surface 29C is spaced radially inwardly from a radially adjacent wall portion 24a of the valve component 9.

Fluid communication between the interior of the valve component 9 and the annular cavity 34 is provided by first, transverse passage means which may comprise a plurality of ports 35. Ports 35 radially intersect the wall of the tubular member 22 just above the surface 23d so as to supply iluid to the upper end of the coupling 23, including the surface 23d.

Fluid communication between the exterior of the component 10, i.e. the well annulus 18 and the annular cavity 34- is provided by second, transverse passage means which may comprise a plurality of radially `disposed ports 36. Ports 36 intersect the wall of the tubular member 28 just above the coupling surface 29C and supply fluid to the lower end of the coupling 23 exposed within the cavity 34, including the surface 23g. Thus, as will be appreciated, the ports 35 and 36 intersect the annular cavity 34 on generally opposite sides of the coupling 23.

In the usual fashion, the apparatus may be provided with conventional O-ring type seals 37, 38 and 39 as well as the usual venting ports such as the schematically shown ports 40 and 41.

With the structure and rnode of apparatus having been generally described, advantages of the invention attributable to certain novel structural features may now be considered.

With the interior of the string 2 and the circulating valve 3 iilled with fluid, a hydrostatic head of considerable magnitude may be imposed upon the lower exposed, annular end 24b of the valve component 9. This hydrostatic head will exert a lifting force on the valve component 9 and the string 2 which will resist or impede downward movement of the component 9 to a closed valve positioning. However, annular, upwardly facing area of the coupling 23 within the cavity 34, including the upwardly facing uid reactive Vsurface 23g, may he dimensioned so as to provide a net fluid reactive surface sufi-lcient to overcome or balance the hydrostatic lifting force exerted upon the component end 24b by iluid contained within the valve 3. By means of the ports 3,5, this internal fluid pressure is transmitted to the coupling 23 and acts downwardly so as to offset or balance the hydrostatic lifting force exerted upon the component end 24b.

Fluid pressure in the annulus 18 communicates through the ports 36 with the annular, downwardly facing area of the coupling 23 within the cavity 34, including the fluid reactive surface 23g, so as to exert a lifting force upon the component 9. This lifting force is advantageous where high annulus pressures are involved and the tubular conduit string 2, as shown, has a diameter less than that of the tubular member 22 of the valve 9. Under these conditions, the junction of the conduit string 2 and the tubular member 22 will provide an upwardly facing, iluid reactive, net annular surface 2a which will cause the annulus pressure to exert a downward force upon the component 9. This downward force will be offset or counterbalanced by the hydrostatic lifting force imposed by annulus fluids passing through the ports 36 so as to a-ct upon the lower end of the coupling 23 in the annular space 34.

As will be apparent, the T-shaped cross section of the couplings 23 and 27 provides a uniquely simplified arrangement for interconnecting tubular valve components and defining integral and complete Wall portions of these components so as to minimize lateral valve component dimensions. This structure also provides a readily accessible, replaceable, and installable, fluid reactive surface means disposed within the cavity 34.

The radial spacing of the surface 27g from the wall portion 22a and the radial spacing of the surface 23d from the wall portion 28a, when the surfaces 23d and 27g are axially engaged, tends to prevent damage to the walls 22a and 28a. Such damage might tend to result from lateral deflection or distortion of the coupling end portions 23b and 27e as a consequence of forceable engagement of the these coupling portions or from heavy axial loading imposed on these coupling portions when the string 2 is being lifted out of a Well bore.

The disposition of the threaded surface 23C between the surface 23d and the intermediate coupling portion 23a provides a mechanism for axially dissipating axial loads between the point of impact loading and the right angle, and thus stress vulnerable, junction of the coupling end portion 23b and the coupling intermediatey portion 23a. Similarly, the interpositioning of the threaded surface 27 between the load bearing face 27g and the intermediate coupling portion 27a provides a mechanism for axially dissipating axial force imposed upon they face 27g so as to lessen the stress at the stress vulnerable junction of the coupling end portion 27e and the coupling intermedi-ate portion 27a.

The frustoconical and complementary configurations of the axially engageable surfaces 23d and 27g serves to direct axial forces at least partially laterally into stress absorbing wall portions of the valve components and may tend to promote more effective fluid resistive sealing of these threaded coupling portions to the threaded tubular members of the valve components. Thus, an axially upwardly directed mechanical force exerted upon the face 27g will be deflected laterally outwardly so as to be partially absorbed within the outer wall of the valve component 10. Hydraulic force exerted against the surface 27g will tend to press the exposed lower end of the coupling portion 27e tightly against the tubular member 28 so as to provide va more effective fluid seal. A similar dissipation of axially applied, mechanical loads `and a similar tendency to provide a more effective Huid resistant seal will obviously result from the frustoconical character of the surface 23d.

It will also be apparent that the complementary, frustoconical structure of the axially engageable surfaces 23d and 27g will provide an inherent and automatic centering action when these surfaces are engaged so as to insure axially uniform transmission of force through the couplings 23 and 27.

As will also be apparent, the couplings y23a, 27 and 29 are disposed so as t-o provide abutments limiting axial movement of the valve component 9 relative to the valve cornponent 10 and avoid the placing of possibly damaging axial loads on the J-slot 19.

It should also be noted that the combination of the coupling 23 (and its upper and lower, fluid reactive surface-s) with the ports 35 and 36 which intersect the annular cavity 34 on opposite sides of this coupling prove an advantageous and simplified pressure balancing arrangement. This arrangement is independent of the valving ports 14 and 15 and is operable regardless of the relative positioning of these valving ports.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art may well recognize possible reversals in the positioning of the components of the circulating valve, as well as additions, deletions, substitutions and other modifications which would fall Within the purview of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for use in a Well bore, said apparatus comprising:

first conduit means;

second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means;

coupling means adapted to interconnect said first and second conduit means;

said coupling means comprising annular cavity means between portions of said first and said second conduit means;

said coupling means including a first coupling portion carried by said first conduit means and comprising a rst threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped cross sectional configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cr-oss section, projecting generally radially of said first conduit means and defining an entire wall portion of said first conduit means, one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said first conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said first conduit means, and said first coupling portion including first, generally annular surface means disposed Within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces of said first coupling portion being disposed between said first surface means and the entire wall portion of said first conduit means defined by said first coupling portions;

said coupling means further including a second coupling portion carried by said second conduit means and comprising a second threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cross section projecting, generally radially of said second conduit means, and defining an entire wall portion of said second conduit means,

one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said second conduit means,

another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second conduit means, in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said second conduit means, and

said second coupling portion including second,

generally annular surface means disposed within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces of said second coupling being disposed between said first surface means and the entire wall portion of said second conduit means defined by said second coupling portion;

said first and second surface means being disposed in mutually facing and axially engageable relation; and

said coupling means further including passage means extending transversely through a wall portion of one of said conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fluid into said annular cavity means.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1,

said apparatus further comprising:

a conduit string connected with said first conduit means and extending upwardly therefrom when said apparatus is disposed within a well bore;

well tool means connected with and disposed beneath said second conduit means when said apparatus is disposed Within a well bore, said well tool means including anchor means for engaging a peripheral portion of said well bore so as to stabilize said second conduit means against axial movement; and

wherein, in said apparatus portions of said first conduit means define first port means extending generally radially of said first conduit means;

portions of said second conduit means define second port means extending generally radially of said second conduit means;

said conduit string is axially movable whereby, with said anchor means engaged with said Well bore periphery to stabilize said second conduit means against axial movement, said axial movement of said conduit string causes axial movement of said first conduit means relative to said second conduit means so as to move said first and second port means from a position of radial alignment to a position of axial displacement; and

said first conduit means, when said apparatus is disposed within a well bore, has a downwardly facing end portion exposed to the pressure of fluid contained within the interior of said first and second conduit means and said conduit string.

3. An apparatus for use in a well lbore, said apparatus comprising:

rst conduit means;

second conduit mea-ns telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means; coupling means adapted to interconnect said first and second conduit means; said coupling means comprising annular cavity means between portions 4of said first and said second conduit means; said coupling means including a first coupling portlon carried by said first conduit means and comprising a first threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped cross sectional configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-Shaped cross section, projecting generally radially of said first conduit means and defining an entire wall portion of said first conduit means, one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending `generally axially of said first conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said first conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing anothe-r head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and havi-ng a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion o-f said first conduit means, and said first coupling portion including first, generally annular surface means disposed within said annular cavity mea-ns with one of said threaded surfaces 4of said first coupling portion being disposed between said first surface means and the entire wall portion of said first conduit means defined by said first coupling portions; said coupling means further including a second coupling portion carried by said second conduit means and comprising a second threaded coupling having .a wall cross section of generally T -shaped configuration with a-n intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cross section projecting, generally radially of said second conduit means, and defining an entire wall portion of said second conduit means, one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second con-duit means in `one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said second conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending -generally axially of said second conduit means, in a direction opposite to said ione direction and away from said leg porti-on, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said second conduit means, and said second coupling portion including second,

generally annular surface means disposed Within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces of said second coupling being disposed between said first surface means and the entire wall portion of said second conduit means defined by said second coupling portion; said first and second surface means being disposed in mutually facing and axially engageable relation;

said first surface means being e-ngageable with said second surface means with said first surface means being radially spaced from a radially adjacent wall portion of said second conduit means, and with said second surface means being radially spaced from a radially adjacent wall portion of said first conduit means; and said coupling means further including passage means extending transversely through a wall portion of one of said conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fluid into said annular cavity means. 4. An apparatus for use in a well bore, said apparatus comprising:

first conduit means; second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means; coupling means adapted to interconnect said first and second conduit means; said coupling means comprising annular cavity means between portions of said first and said second conduit means; said coupling means including a `first coupling portion carried by said first conduit means and comprising a first threaded coupling having a wall cross section lof generally T-shaped cross sectional configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped `cross section, projecti-ng generally radially of said first conduit means and defining an entire wall portion of said first conduit means, one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion -of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably en- .gaged with a portio-n of said first conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in a direction opposite to said one `direction and away from said leg portion, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said first conduit means, and said first coupling portion including first, generally annular surface means disposed within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces 4of said first coupling portion being disposed between said -first surface means and the entire wall portion of said first conduit means defined by said first coupling portions; said coupling means further including a second coupling portion carried by said second conduit ymeans and comp-rising a second threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cross section projecting generally radially of said second c onduit means, and defining an entire wall portion of said second conduit means, one en d portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of s'aid second conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second conduit means, in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said second conduit means, and

said second coupling portion including second, generally annular surface means disposed within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces of said second coupling being disposed between said first surface means and the entire wall portion of said second conduit -means defined by said second coupling portion; said first and second surface means being disposed in mutually facing and axially engageable relation; said first and second surface means including at least some portions which are generally frustoconically configured and mutually complementary, with said frusto-conical portion'of said first surface means being obtusely inclined relative to an adjacent wall portion of said first conduit means within said annular cavity means and said frustoconical portion of said second surface means being obtusely inclined relative to an adjacent wall portion of said second conduit means within said annular cavity means; and said coupling means further including passage means extending transversely through a wall portion of one of said conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fiuid into said annular cavity means. 5. An apparatus for use in a well bore, said apparatus comprising:

first conduit means;

second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means;

coupling means adapted to interconnect said first and second conduit means;

said coupling means comprising annular cavity means between portions of said first and said second conduit means;

said coupling means including a first coupling portion carried by said first conduit means and comprising a first threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped cross sectional 4configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cross section, projecting generally radially of said first conduit means and defining an entire wall portion of said first conduit means, one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in-one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said first conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of sai-d T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said first conduit means, and said first coupling portion including first, generally annular surface means disposed within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces of said first coupling portion being disposed between said first surface means and the entire Wall portion of said first conduit means defined by said first coupling portions; said coupling means further including a second coupling portion carried by said second conduit means and comprising a second threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped configuration with an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cross section projecting, generally radially of said second conduit'means, and defining an entire wall portion of said second conduit means, one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said second conduit means, another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said second conduit means, in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and having a second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said second conduit means, and said second coupling portion including second,

generally annular surface means disposed within said annular cavity means with one of said threaded surfaces of said second coupling being disposed between said first surface means and the entire wall portion of said second conduit means defined by said second coupling portion; said first and second surface means being disposed in mutually facing and axially engageable relation; said first and second surface means including at least some portions which are generally frustoconically configured and mutually complementary; said first surface means being engageable with said second surface means with said first surface means Ibeing radially spaced from a radially adjacent wall portion of said second conduit means, and said second surface means being radially spaced from a radially adjacent wall portion of said first conduit means; and said coupling means further including passage means extending transversely through a wall portion of one of said conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fiuid into said annular cavity means. 6. An apparatus for use in a well bore, said apparatus comprising:

first conduit means; second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means; coupling means adapted to interconnect said first and second conduit means; said coupling means comprising annular cavity means between portions of said first and said Second conduit means; said coupling means including first surface means projecting from said first conduit means generally toward said second conduit means; second surface means projecting from said second conduit means generally toward said first conduit means; said first and second surface means being disposed Within said cavity means and being axially engagea'ble, with said first surface means being radially spaced from adjacent wall portions of said second conduit means, and said second surface means being radially spaced from radially adjacent wall portions of said first conduit means; and passage means extending through a portion of one of said conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fluid to said annular cavity means. 7. An apparatus as described in claim 6, said apparatus further comprising:

a conduit string connected with said first conduit` beneath said second conduit means when said apparatus is disposed within a well bore, said well tool means including anchor means for engaging a peripheral portion of said well bore so as to stabilize said second conduit means against axial movement; and wherein, in said apparatus portions of said first conduit means define rst port means extending generally radially of said first conduit means;

portions of said second conduit means define second port means extending generally radially of said second conduit means;

said conduit string is axially movable whereby, with said anchor means engaged with said well bore periphery, to stabilize said second conduit means against axial movement, said axial movement of said conduit string causes axial movement of said first conduit means relative to said second conduit means so as to move said iirst and second port means from a position of radial alignment to a position of axial displacement; and

said first conduit means, when said apparatus is disposed within a well bore, has a downwardly facing end portion exposed to the pressure of iiuid contained within the interior of said'first and second conduit means and said conduit string.

8. An apparatus for use in a well bore, said apparatus comprising t first conduit means; second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means; coupling means adapted to interconnect said first and second conduit means; said coupling means comprising annular cavity means between portions of said first and said second conduit means; said coupling means including first surface means projecting from said first conduit means generally toward said second conduit means; second surface means projecting from said second conduit means generally toward said first conduit means; said tirst and second surface means being disposed within said cavity means and being axially engageable, with said first surface means being radially spaced from adjacent wall portions of said sec-ond conduit means, and said second surface means being radially spaced from radially adjacent wall portions of said first conduit means; said first and second surface means including at least some portions which are generally frustoconically configured and mutually complementary, with said frust-oconical portion of said first surface means being obtusely inclined relative to an adjacent Wall portion of said first conduit means within said annular cavity means and said frustoconical portion of said second :surface means being obtusely inclined relative to an adjacent wall portion of said second conduit means within said annular cavity means; and passage means extending through a portion of one of said conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fiuid to said annular cavity means.

9. An apparatus for use in a Well bore, said apparatus comprising:

first conduit means;

second conduit means telescopingly mounted in relation to said first conduit means;

portions of said first and second conduit means being radially spaced so as to provide annular cavity means therebetween;

a coupling portion carried by one of said conduit means and comprising a threaded coupling having a wall cross section of generally T-shaped configuration with,

an intermediate portion of said coupling providing the leg portion of said T-shaped cross section, projecting generally radially of said one conduit means, and defining an entire wall portion thereof;

one end portion of said coupling providing a head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said first conduit means in one direction away from said leg portion, and having a first threaded surface threadably engaged with a portion of said one conduit means,

another end portion of said coupling providing another head portion of said T-shaped cross section, extending generally axially of said one conduit means in a direction opposite to said one direction and away from said leg portion, and having a -second threaded surface threadably engaged with another portion of said one conduit means,

first, generally annular surface means defined by the extremity of said one end portion and disposed within said annular cavity means, and

second, generally annular surface means defined by the extremity of said other end portion and disposed within said annular cavity means;

first passage means extending transversely through a Wall portion of said first conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fluid from the interior thereof into said annular cavity means into fiuid communication with one of said generally annular surface means;

-second passage means extending transversely through said second conduit means and adapted to transmit pressurized fiuid from the exterior thereof into said annular cavity means into iiuid communication with the other of said generally annular surface means;

first annular seal means slidably and sealingly interconnecting said first and second conduit means so as to close one end of said annular cavity means; and

second annular seal means slidably and sealingly interconnecting said first and second conduit means so as to close another end of said annular cavity means;

said first and said second passage means being disposed between said first and second annular seal means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,216,452 11/1965 Williams 166-226 X 3,249,124 5/ 1966 Berryman 166-226 X 3,259,192 7/1966 Hyde 166-150 CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner. D, BROWN, Assistant Examiner, 

6. AN APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WELL BORE, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING: FIRST CONDUIT MEANS; SECOND CONDUIT MEANS TELESCOPINGLY MOUNTED IN RELATION TO SAID FIRST CONDUIT MEANS; COUPLING MEANS ADAPTED TO INTERCONNECT SAID FIRST AND SECOND CONDUIT MEANS; SAID COUPLING MEANS COMPRISING ANNULAR CAVITY MEANS BETWEEN PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST AND SAID SECOND CONDUIT MEANS; SAID COUPLING MEANS INCLUDING FIRST SURFACE MEANS PROJECTING FROM SAID FIRST CONDUIT MEANS GENERALLY TOWARD SAID SECOND CONDUIT MEANS; SECOND SURFACE MEANS PROJECTING FROM SAID SECOND CONDUIT MEANS GENERALLY TOWARD SAID FIRST CONDUIT MEANS; SAID FIRST AND SECOND SURFACE MEANS BEING DISPOSED WITHIN SAID CAVITY MEANS AND BEING AXIALLY ENGAGEABLE, WITH SAID FIRST SURFACE MEANS BEING RADIALLY SPACED FROM ADJACENT WALL PORTIONS OF SAID SECOND CONDUIT MEANS, AND SAID SECOND SURFACE MEANS BEING RADIALLY SPACED FROM RADIALLY ADJACENT WALL PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST CONDUIT MEANS; AND PASSAGE MEANS EXTENDING THROUGH A PORTION OF ONE OF SAID CONDUIT MEANS AND ADAPTED TO TRANSMIT PRESSURIZED FLUID TO SAID ANNULAR CAVITY MEANS. 